doily

Or doy·ley

[doi-lee]

noun

plural

doilies 

1. any small, ornamental mat, as of embroidery or lace.

2. Archaic.,  a small napkin, as one used during a dessert course.

doily

/ ˈdɔɪlɪ /

noun

1. a decorative mat of lace or lacelike paper, etc, laid on or under plates

Word History and Origins

Origin of doily¹

First recorded in 1670–80; named after a London draper of the late 17th century

Word History and Origins

Origin of doily¹

C18: named after Doily, a London draper

Example Sentences

On a lace vintage doily, Simpson embroidered the Japanese proverb “Fall seven times, stand up eight,” a fitting metaphor for her metamorphosis as an artist.

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And seven petticoats beneath, so she seemed to skim just above the pile of the carpet, like a floating doily.

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Rachel Scott, 40, the New York-based designer behind the women’s wear line Diotima, was also inspired by the lace doilies she saw growing up.

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She filled the place with antiques and doilies and Victorian-era wedding photos — some of which she bought on EBay — with unsmiling brides and grooms.

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The three Witchlings and the two older witches settled into cushiony floral chairs around a table covered with an old-fashioned doily tablecloth.

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Related Words

• cloth 
• towel